Chichagof Dream
Fodor’s Expert Review
Ship Overview
Sit...u, Alaska
Sit...u, Alaska
The only Indigeous-owned cruise line in the state, Alaskan Dream Cruises strives to offer a local’s view of Alaska’s Inside Passage. Members of the Native Tlingit clan, the Allen family, launched the company in 2011. Though Alaskan Dream Cruises is a relatively new addition to the state’s competitive cruise market, the company has decades of seafaring experience to drawn upon. In 1967, the Sitka-based family founded boat building company Allen Marine, Inc. A few years later, sister-company Allen Marine Tours, began offering day cruise tours in Alaska’s Inside Passage.Read More
Alaskan Dream Cruises operates a handful of American-flagged, small ships. Carrying just 76 passengers, the Chichagof Dream, is the largest vessel in the fleet. Unlike other cruise lines, Alaskan Dream Cruises’ ships do not head to warmer waters, or reposition, in order to keep sailing year round; the ships only operate in Alaska during the summer season. Itineraries are said to be inspired by the Allen family’s favorite destinations and personal experiences.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
What to expect on board
Staterooms & Cabins
Accommodation options include six suites and 32 staterooms. All of the 38 passenger cabins aboard Chichagof Dream are considered outside staterooms. Sea views are provided in a variety of ways; some cabin doors exit directly to outside walkways, some cabins boast large, fixed picture windows, while others offer portholes to peep through. There are no staterooms or suites with private balconies.
Rooms are comfortable and offer everything you should need during your Alaska adventure, but lack the modern shine (think televisions, balconies, sensor lights) many travelers have come to expect from experiences aboard newer, and typically larger cruise ships. Cabins have a neutral beige color scheme; bed configurations include two twins pushed together to create a queen or two separated twins, with three cabins offering bunk beds to accommodate children.
A majority of the ship’s accommodations are what’s categorized as AAA. Bathrooms in this stateroom category are compact, but offer a reasonable amount of vanity and shelf space for two people, along with a hairdryer and Alaskan-made toiletries. The built-in closet is divided into three sections with ample room to store clothes. Suitcases can be tucked under the bed.
The ship is not well-suited for guests with disabilities. There is no elevator aboard the vessel, and there are no accessible staterooms.
Food & Drink
All meals are enjoyed at set times in the Dining Room. With the exception of a daily special, the breakfast menu does not change. Selections include pancakes, French toast, omelets, eggs any style, and a variety of cereals, yogurt, and fruit. For a taste of Alaska, consider a bagel topped with cream cheese, cold-smoked salmon, tomatoes, red onions, and capers. For early risers, coffee and pastries are offered in the Lounge every day at 6 a.m.
Lunch and dinner menus change daily. Along with expected classics like burgers, roasted chicken, and salmon filets, options might include maple glazed duck, pan seared sea scallops, cobb salad, and Alaskan prawn scampi. Vegetarian options are limited. A glass of wine or beer, and soft drinks are included with dinner, but cocktails are an additional fee.
Seating in the dining room is open, allowing guests to dine with different passengers throughout the sailing. Tables for two are not available.
Warm cookies and cold milk are served each afternoon in the Lounge.
Every sailing includes an evening stop at one of the company-owned lodges, either Orca Point Lodge (outside Juneau) or Fin Island Lodge (outside Sitka) for a prime rib and seafood dinner, and sunset bonfire with s’mores.
Tucked in the corner of the Lounge, the bar offers beer, wine, and a myriad of fun, Alaskan takes on classic cocktails. Choose from options like the Boatwright Old Fashioned, (Boatwright Bourbon from Haines, Alaska, simple syrup, Amaro Di Angostura and orange bitters, orange peel, Bordeaux cherry) Whale Derby (Alaska Birch Syrup Vodka, muddled mint, simple syrup) or the Very-Beary Lemon Drop (Icy Straight Vodka, Cointreau, lemon, berry infused simple syrup). After days visiting the iceberg filled waters of Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness area, the Glacier Rita (tequila, Blue Curacao, lime, simple syrup, and blueberry salt) is a guest favorite.
Entertainment
Expect a few, brief presentations from crew members regarding Alaska flora and fauna, but otherwise Mother Nature provides all entertainment. (All staterooms have binoculars.) The Lounge is stocked with an assortment of books on Alaska as well as a selection of board games. There are no televisions onboard the ship.
Spa & Fitness
There is no spa or fitness center onboard Chichagof Dream, however, passengers can get their steps in while walking laps on the upper deck. (17.5 laps are equivalent to a mile.) It’s also a good way to watch for wildlife.
Key cruising tips
Health & Safety
All crew members are CPR certified, but there is not a doctor onboard the ship. For a majority of the itinerary, medical facilities are difficult to access. Guests are no longer required to provide a negative Covid-19 test or proof of vaccination.
Dress Code
Whether day or night, dress is always casual. Expect long pants, layers, and rain gear. Being comfortable and staying dry take top priority. (There is no laundry service onboard, so plan accordingly.) Alaskan Dream Cruises provides each guest with a waterproof jacket, pants, and boots for use during the cruise, but if you have your own gear at home, it’s a good idea to bring it along. Waterproof hiking boots are worth the space they’ll command in your luggage.
Junior Cruisers
Families are welcome aboard, but there are no special services for young sailors. Chichagof Dream features three cabins that can accommodate a family of three or four using one twin bed and a set of bunk beds, or sets of bunk beds.
Service
Crew members aboard Chichagof Dream are friendly and outgoing. They typically juggle an assortment of tasks and responsibilities throughout the day. For example, your server at breakfast may also clean your stateroom. The ship’s staff hails predominantly from the continental United States.
Tipping
Gratuities are discretionary. Tip money is pooled and distributed evenly among the crew. A range of $15 to $20, per guest, per day is suggested. Crew members can also be tipped directly.